Minor Setback

I haven’t been posting much lately because we have had a bump in the road as I would call it. Since returning to the States and getting some medical tests run, I (Dana) was sent to get a mammogram. The mammogram revealed something suspicious which resulted in a trip to the hospital in Chapel Hill, NC, for a biopsy. It was discovered that I had low-invasive cancer in my left breast and later in the lymph node on the same side. Yesterday, I returned to Chapel Hill for surgery. Both the tumor and the lymph node were removed. It was outpatient surgery and we were able to return to Jacksonville the next day.

Now that the anesthesia has worn off, my underarm is very sore and sensitive. I would ask your prayers for this and for a quick return to normality. I have been showered with love and prayers and am so thankful for all the prayer support we’ve received both from Haiti, the United States and other countries.

I am only posting now because I didn’t want to write about this sensitive subject without knowing what the final result would be. I now know what it feels like to have a doctor look at me very gravely and say, We found something very suspicious on your mammogram and feel it has given me more empathy for you who may be reading this post and others who have been through the same unsettling circumstances.

I would like to say a very positive word concerning all the staff at the Chapel Hill Cancer Center. I would highly recommend this facility to anyone. They are a very loving and caring staff. On August 1, I will return for my follow-up appointment to learn how many  radiation treatments I will need. I anticipate a good report and sense the Lord beside me guiding me every step of the way.

Meanwhile in Haiti…

What a blessing to be able to leave Haiti for months at a time and know that our pastors and leaders are providing needed oversight for the ministry in our absence. We have some incredible disciples and they have all been mobilized to stay in constant prayer for me (Dana) and my condition. This ministry absolutely could not function as well as it does without everyone there knowing their role and function. Neither could we move forward and accomplish all that we have without our incredible partners. The support we receive for such a huge work demonstrates your confidence in us.

We are gearing up for a very busy year. The most exciting news at present is the final stages of our new church building going up on our main compound in Petite-Anse. Pastor Délinx has provided me with more pictures that show the floor being laid. We are just overwhelmed at the generosity that has been shown to us through Orphans Promise and some incredibly generous donors who saw our plight and responded to this huge need. Please pray for the Orphans Promise Ministry who is presently working in over 60 countries world-wide helping children discover a better life. Go to their website: orphanspromise.org and read the fascinating stories about the huge impact they are making in so many people’s lives. Rehoboth Ministries is only one of many ministries they have helped and we are so grateful to be in partnership with them!